Bronco Talk: One-on-one with Roni Rivera

By Josh Griffin

Senior catcher Roni Rivera has helped the softball team to one of its best starts in years. With a 10-9 record in their first 19 games, the Broncos are shooting for an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. Roni took a few minutes out of her time to sit down and talk with Sports Editor Josh Griffin about her energetic nature, the team's turnaround and her post-graduation plans.

JG: What has been your best experience in college?

RR: We beat Fresno St. last week for the first time in 35 tries in their home opener in front of 2,000 Fresno fans. Their coach is the Bob Knight of college softball. She was pretty mad when we beat them, but fortunately she did not hit any of her players.

JG: What has been the difference in the team that allows you to beat good teams like Fresno St.?

RR: Talent man. We got talented. It is a real simple solution - more talent.

JG: Who in particular is doing well?

RR: Currently, freshman Jenny Brown and Jamie Forman-Lau. They both amaze me.

JG: How do you approach your role as a leader?

RR: I just try to keep people pumped and positive about what we're doing.

JG: How do you stay so energetic all the time?

RR: It's in the blood. I wake up like this every day. I'm caffeinated, no stimulants needed.

JG: You are a loud and noticable fan at most Santa Clara sports games. What do you think of fan support at Santa Clara?

RR: Peope need to take advantage of college. Heckling is okay and welcomed. Everyone loves rowdy fans. You have to get in the dome of the opposition. Being a college sports supporter is one of the top three things I'm going to miss.

JG: What are the other two things you're going to miss?

RR: That it's socially acceptable to come in at 3 a.m. and sleep until one in the afternoon, and of course, softball.

JG: What are you post-graduation plans?

RR: I'm going to pursue a master's degree in sports management.

JG: Where do you plan to do this?

RR: Either Ohio St., Massachusetts or USF. I'm just looking around for someone to pay for me. I'm going to be an athletic director someday.

JG: What are your goals for the team for the season?

RR: We want to go to the Tournament. The field opened to 64 for the first time this year, so that's our number one goal. We are shooting for an at-large bid. Jerry Smith challenged us to dream big at the beginning of the season. My first year here we won 11 games, so people can laugh, but we really believe that we can do it.

JG: What went through your mind when you hit your first home run of your career earlier this year?

RR: People are thrown off by my appearance. I'm not a power hitter. I'm really a pitcher's catcher, a defensive specialist. But that was an amazing moment, especially since I'm not known for my run production.

JG: You usually have a lot to say. Do you talk trash when you're playing softball?

RR: No, I'm a classy ballplayer so I don't do that. In sports, the scoreboard does all the talking.

JG: And the fans, right?

RR: We go hard. When it's my game, I'm free.